Last night Tim and I were going out for dinner so Meghan needed something made just for her. I mentioned that I was going to make her a green grilled cheese, and Tim looked at me like I was crazy.
“The babysitter’s going to be here in 30 minutes,” he said. “Just make her a regular grilled cheese.”
He didn’t want me to make her the green grilled cheese because last time she wouldn’t even try it. Call it mother’s intuition; I knew if I involved Meghan in the process a little more, actually showed her the spinach that was going into it, she would at least give it at try.
She helped me gather the ingredients.
She helped me put the ingredients in the food processor and start it up. (And maybe eat a little cheese during the process…)
I tried to make the experience fun for her. Whatever I did, it worked. She happily ate her entire green grilled cheese. Yes, this is after she wouldn’t even take one bite a few days ago. Here’s a video showing her eating the sandwich:
The moral of this story is don’t take rejected foods off the list right away. Toddlers are funny little people and you never know how their mood is going to dictate their food preferences. So if your toddler is giving you a hard time with eating healthy foods, don’t give up. Just keep on offering the foods you want him to eat. It might take a creative presentation or involving them in the process, but chances are he will eat the healthy foods if you are persistent enough.
Question: What foods have you offered your toddler or older kids that they initially rejected, but eventually liked?
[email protected] of Sugar Free says
February 27, 2011 at 6:09 pmohmygoodnessgracious! She is soooooo adorable! I showed the video to my sister because it was just too darn cute 😀
And I thoroughly believe that when the kids help make the food, they are more likely to eat it.
Lindsay @ livinglindsay.com says
February 27, 2011 at 10:33 pmI just found your blog 🙂 I have an almost 3 year old and often “sneak” the greens into his diet. I make him lots of green smoothies and he LOVES them. He never used to touch veggies and now, occasionally, he will ask for a salad or cukes and hummus. So you’re completely right – you just have to keep trying and eventually they WILL give it a go 🙂 And involving them always gives you a better shot at success!
Maryea says
February 28, 2011 at 3:11 pmGreen smoothies can be a lifesaver! I know that no matter what else Meghan is eating, she’ll always drink her green smoothie. 🙂
Renee says
October 6, 2016 at 10:34 pmWhat is in the green smoothie? Because my 3 year old will not touch them.
Maryea says
October 8, 2016 at 8:54 amHere’s a green smoothie recipe my kids love! https://happyhealthymama.com/how-to-freeze-spinach-cubes-for-smoothies-a-hidden-greens-smoothie-recipe.html
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says
February 27, 2011 at 11:48 pmyay!!! you did it!!!!!!!!
you are such and inspiration and this is GREAT ADVICE!
Doctors say it takes almost 20 tries with new food for little ones to know if they even like it or not! I’m so glad it worked for you! <3 and only 2 tries? baller!
Maryea says
February 28, 2011 at 3:12 pm20 times?!! I’m not sure I have the patience for that! I’m so glad she ate this on the 2nd try. 🙂
Meg says
February 28, 2011 at 12:08 amHi Maryea! I just happened upon your blog a couple of weeks ago. I actually made the green grilled cheese sandwich tonight. My husband, 12-month-old son, and I all loved it! So yummy! And yes, totally worth the calories. My boy hasn’t yet tested us with food, but I’m sure those days are coming. I look forward to trying other recipes – thank you!
Maryea says
February 28, 2011 at 3:14 pmOh, I loved those days when Meghan would eat just about anything I put in front of her. 🙂 Maybe you will be a lucky one and your son won’t develop the toddler pickiness! I’m really glad your family enjoyed the sandwiches.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
February 28, 2011 at 9:14 amAwwww, what a cutie!! A green grilled cheese is such a great idea! I’m going to pass this along to my sister-in-law– she REALLY struggles with getting her son to eat anything other than string cheese and grapes, lol.
Maryea says
February 28, 2011 at 3:15 pmThanks for passing my blog along to your sister-in-law. String cheese and grapes? Seems like that would get boring! 🙂 Kids are too funny.
Stephanie @ Thorns Have Roses says
February 28, 2011 at 11:10 amI’m so happy with these results! I never assume a kid (at any age really) will dislike a food entirely because of one experience. So glad she loved the helping process and it worked! I still haven’t convinced my 8 year old that sweet potatoes are heaven yet. She cringes at the mere sound of the word.
[email protected] says
March 2, 2011 at 9:46 pmahh I love it such a great idea getting her involved in the process. Your daughter is adorable by the way!
Maryea says
March 3, 2011 at 6:45 amAw-thank you!
Michelle (Housewife in the Raw) says
March 3, 2011 at 2:31 pmI’ve already got this recipe slated for a St. Patricks Day green-food theme. 🙂
Maryea says
March 5, 2011 at 10:48 pmPerfect! 🙂
Angela says
March 3, 2011 at 4:11 pmI made this last night to rave reviews from my kids (11 and 6). They are not spinach lovers, but they wanted another green sandwich in their lunchbox today. I loved it too!
Maryea says
March 5, 2011 at 10:49 pmSo glad to hear it!
Lisa says
March 8, 2011 at 3:33 pmMaryea, Just wanted to report back and let you know that both of my kids finished their sandwiches when I made these. They loved them! Thanks for the recipe….it may become a new staple at our house.
Maryea says
March 8, 2011 at 8:29 pmThanks for reporting back. It’s funny, after Meghan completely rejected it the first time, she’s had it several times. Pretty much every time I make her a grilled cheese it’s a green one now! 🙂
Melina says
April 9, 2012 at 12:48 pmMy twin toddlers are so different.. my son will eat anything!! Spinach, brussels sprouts, ANYTHING!! He’ll try anything a a few times. He’s such a good boy. My daughter? NOTHING. If its green, she won’t touch it!! So picky picky.
The bit about the 20 times to make sure they like it or not … how do you even get them to try it? Its so frustrating.
However, your little Meghan is adorable and so so sweet. I love her little voice. Good job, Mama!! <3
Maryea says
April 9, 2012 at 9:09 pmI just keep offering. Some nights Meghan won’t touch certain things I offer her, and then a few nights later she will. I have found, though, if she doesn’t want to try something, it’s very hard to get her to! She can be stubborn. I don’t force the issue too much as I really want to keep mealtime peaceful and not have negative associations with any foods. I know if I keep offering healthy foods, eventually she’ll eat them. Good luck with your picky girl! I know how frustrating it can be. That is so interesting, by the way, that twins can be so different. It just goes to show that parents can only do so much to influence their kids’ eating habits.